Abstract

Environmental scientists warned that the health of the planet is increasingly deteriorating, of which the primary cause has been identified as human related behaviours. Psychology therefore can contribute immensely to understanding and shaping the behaviours that are negatively impacting on the ecosystem However, this paper calls for increased collaboration between psychology and environmental sustainability experts to develop evidenced-based interventions that promote sustainable behaviours, integrate environmental education into psychological curricula, and foster policy changes supporting individual and collective environmental actions. This paper further subscribes to the relevance of psychology to solving environmental problems; by exploring psychological factors such as cognitive biases, social norms, counselling and emotional connections to develop more effective strategies to promote pro-environmental behaviours. Conversely, environmental sustainability efforts can inform psychological theory and practice, enhancing understanding of human well-being and the human-environment interface. This paper also maintains that integrating of psychology in environmental studies could promote the training of future conservation activists. In concluding, psychology has a critical role to play in creating a sustainable environment thus bridging the gap between psychology and environmental sustainability to promote the understanding of human behaviour and its impact on the planet, ultimately creating a more sustainable future for all